How far is Kearney, NE from Atkinson, NE?
The driving distance from Kearney, NE to Atkinson, NE is about 142.3 miles (229 km), with a travel time of about 02h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 126.7 miles (203.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 40m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 50m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Airport in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kearney and Atkinson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kearney and Atkinson.
-
1
Start on Central Avenue
98 m · 11 sec · Central Avenue
-
2
Turn left onto West 25th Street
771 ft · 30 sec · West 25th Street
-
3
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue
3.4 mi · 6 min · 2nd Avenue
-
4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward 2nd Avenue
59 m · 8 sec · 2nd Avenue
-
5
Exit the roundabout onto 2nd Avenue
2.5 mi · 3 min · 2nd Avenue
-
6
Continue on Highway 10
27 mi · 31 min · Highway 10
-
7
Continue on Highway 10
11.8 mi · 14 min · Highway 10
-
8
Turn left onto Highway 92
1.2 km · 1 min · Highway 92
-
9
Turn right onto Highway 58
10.4 mi · 12 min · Highway 58
-
10
Continue on Highway 70
13.9 mi · 16 min · Highway 70
-
11
Turn left onto Highway 11
15.7 mi · 18 min · Highway 11
-
12
Continue on South 1st Avenue
1888 ft · 38 sec · South 1st Avenue
-
13
Continue on North 1st Avenue
782 ft · 16 sec · North 1st Avenue
-
14
Continue on Highway 11
1.5 km · 1 min · Highway 11
-
15
Continue on Highway 11
54.2 mi · 1 hr 3 min · Highway 11
-
16
Continue on South Hyde Street
2400 ft · 52 sec · South Hyde Street
-
17
At the end of the road, turn left onto South Hyde Street
91 m · 12 sec · South Hyde Street
-
18
Turn left onto East Pearl Street
1980 ft · 56 sec · East Pearl Street
-
19
Turn right onto South Main Street
705 ft · 31 sec · South Main Street
-
20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kearney and Atkinson.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Highway 11
Continue on Highway 11
54.2 mi · 01h 03m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Kearney and Sunny near Atkinson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kearney to Atkinson?
The road trip is about 142.3 miles (229 km) and usually takes 02h 50m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Ord is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71.2 miles from Kearney and 71.1 miles from Atkinson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 126.7 miles (203.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.6 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.93 one way or $37.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Kearney and Sunny near Atkinson.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kearney and Atkinson. Straight-line distance: 126.69 mi (203.88 km).
#1 Kearney
City in and county seat of Buffalo County, Nebraska, United States
| Population | 34,235 |
| Coordinates | 40.6994600, -99.0814800 |
| Altitude | 656 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Atkinson
Town in Nebraska, United States
| Population | 1,221 |
| Coordinates | 42.5313900, -98.9781500 |
| Altitude | 642 |
| Country | United States |
End: Atkinson (-98.97815, 42.53139)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 229 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.93 | $37.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.35 | $42.70 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.36 | $46.73 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.63 | $53.25 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Nebraska · Apr 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.